Sponge cake with fruits and sour cherry liqueur

Sponge cake with ladyfingers, fruits, and cherry liqueur: a quick and delicious dessert

If you are looking for a dessert that will impress and bring a touch of magic into the lives of your loved ones, you have come to the right place! The sponge cake with ladyfingers, fruits, and cherry liqueur is a perfect choice for special occasions, such as International Women's Day, as well as for those moments when you want to treat yourself to something sweet. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the fluffy texture of ladyfingers with the freshness of fruits and the intense taste of cherry liqueur, all in an attractive presentation. Let's begin this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 16 ladyfingers
- 2 kiwis
- 1 orange
- 1 grapefruit
- 150 g cooking chocolate
- 1 packet vanilla cream (cremșnit)
- 700 ml milk
- 200 ml cherry liqueur (or another preferred liqueur: whiskey, cognac)
- 1 knob of butter (about 20 g)
- a few brown raisins and chocolate dragees for decoration

Preparation

1. Prepare the fruits: Start by peeling the kiwis, orange, and grapefruit. Slice them thinly. These fruits not only add a fresh taste but also a splash of color to your cake. I recommend choosing ripe but firm fruits for the best results.

2. Melting the chocolate: In a heat-resistant bowl, place the cooking chocolate and cubed butter. Set the bowl over a pot of boiling water (bain-marie). Stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and form a smooth mixture. This step is essential for achieving a fine chocolate without lumps.

3. Preparing the ladyfinger base: In a bowl, pour the cherry liqueur. Soak 8 ladyfingers in this delicious liqueur, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, arrange them on a tray, side by side, forming the base of the cake.

4. Vanilla cream: In another bowl, add the vanilla cream powder and milk. Mix with a mixer for 4-5 minutes or until the cream becomes thick and fluffy. This step is simple and quick, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

5. Assembling the cake: Spread half of the vanilla cream over the ladyfingers, then add an even layer of kiwi slices. Use a spatula to distribute the cream evenly. Next, add another layer of 8 soaked ladyfingers in cherry liqueur, completely covering the fruits.

6. Adding the chocolate: Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and mix the composition with a small whisk, adding two tablespoons of hot water to improve its texture. Pour the chocolate over the last layer of ladyfingers, ensuring it is evenly covered.

7. Finalizing the cake: Coat the cake with the remaining vanilla cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Then, decorate the sides with kiwi slices and the top with slices of orange and grapefruit. Add brown raisins and chocolate dragees for a splash of color and texture.

8. Cooling and serving: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour, so all the flavors meld together and set. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Chef's tip

To give a personal touch to the cake, you can add a splash of vanilla or almond essence to the vanilla cream. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as mandarins, clementines, or even cherries from the liqueur, depending on your preferences. If you want to add a touch of freshness, a little chopped fresh mint can bring a wonderful flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of liqueur?
Of course! Whiskey or cognac are excellent alternatives. Choose a liqueur that you like and that complements the flavors of the cake.

2. How can I make this cake healthier?
You can replace the cooking chocolate with dark chocolate, which contains less sugar and more antioxidants. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the vanilla cream.

3. Can it be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze the cake, as the texture of the ladyfingers may change. I suggest consuming it fresh.

Delicious pairings

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits

The combination of fruits and chocolate not only provides a unique taste but also essential nutrients. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, while orange and grapefruit contribute to the intake of antioxidants. Furthermore, a moderate amount of dark chocolate can have beneficial effects on heart health.

This sponge cake with ladyfingers, fruits, and cherry liqueur is not just a recipe, but a cooking experience that brings joy. I invite you to prepare it and share this delicacy with your loved ones, turning festive moments into unforgettable memories!